The Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) has cautioned that Nigeria’s public health goals should not come at the expense of economic stability, following the renewed enforcement of the ban on sachet and sub-200ml alcoholic beverages.
In a statement on January 29, the union criticised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), describing its approach as disproportionate and disruptive.
While acknowledging the need to protect minors, FOBTOB argued that underage drinking is primarily a matter of enforcement, parental responsibility, and public education, rather than packaging.
The union also challenged NAFDAC’s assurances that operations were unaffected, citing reports of sealed depots in Enugu and Abakaliki since January 20, 2026, which house products not covered by the ban.
FOBTOB warned that the policy threatens livelihoods, especially for indigenous distillers and distributors for whom sachet packaging is a core business segment.
While NAFDAC says factories will remain open, FOBTOB stressed that the ban could still result in an economic shutdown for informal-sector participants.
The union urged regulators, lawmakers, and industry players to engage in dialogue, promoting moderation, education, and enforcement over blanket prohibitions.
